6
SECTION
ONE
CIPHER Features and Technology
This section describes the innovative features and technology of the CIPHER
SACD/CD Player, and defines CAST and other key terms used in this reference.
The CIPHER works to carefully transmit audio signals without damaging the
ephemeral staging and dimensional components of the music. A combination of
advanced technologies and inspired design elevate the CIPHER SACD/CD
Player’s performance to the reference level.
Features
An advanced disc drive and coupled to the latest Krell digital and analog circuitry.
the Krell Cipher delivers the ultimate performance from today’s highest resolution
source material. Every performance enhancement is incorporated to retrieve the
most accirate signal from SACD and CD music titles. Isolatedmechanically from
the underlying chassis, the drive mechanism utilizes composite mounts to mini-
mize vibration induced errors. Special sound damping material is strategically
placed inside the unit to minimize mechanical resonances even further. Krell cus-
tomized disc drive firmware enhances reading accuracy, drive mechanics, and
operational parameters. As an ultimate final step, the seperate SACD and CD laser
heads are individually calibrated by hand for the precise output levels required for
reference quality SACD and CD playback.
All signals are fed into a custom designed Krell anti-jitter module that reduces jiiter
to a virtually inmeasurable level. From there signals are fed to a 24 bit/192 KHz
digital filter and then to a pair of balanced 24-bit/192 KHz digital to analog conver-
tors (DACs). Conventional players use one DAC for both channels and convert the
current ouput of the DAC to voltage, a process that invariably causes signal dis-
tortion. Instead, the Cipher uses one DAC per channel and feeds the native bal-
anced current output directly to Krell Current Mode circuitry. Removing the typical
current to voltage stage found in conventional players eliminates distortions asso-
ciated with this conversion. Balanced DACs maintian a dual differntial balanced
signal from the output of the DACs to the ouput connections. This lowers distor-
tion and improves signal to noise ratio to their maximum levels. Cor Krell technolo-
gies of discrete, complementary, direct coupled circuitry are employed throught
out the surface mount based output stage. Evolution CAST and balanced connec-
tions are included for optimal stereo playback. A complete Evolution (source, pre-
amp, amplifier) system, connected in CAST. reduces the number of voltage gain
stages to the minimum: one. The resulting noise floor approaches the theoretical
limit of technology. Ouput are also included for Multichannel SACD playback.
